Friday, July 31, 2009

Brockton IPA (Granville Island)

Brockton IPA (Granville Island)

Ratebeer 3.06 43rd percentile
Beer Advocate B

Taste +4
The nose hints of hoppiness to come, but balanced with caramel and roasted malt. This is a very drinkable IPA. There is just enough pine and floral hops to slightly overpower the caramel sweetness.

Aftertaste +1

Only a trace of alcohol and carbonation tingle carries away the residue of hop bitterness. The pine and floral hints are not overpowering.

Alcohol Content 0 6%

Just on the edge.

Value +1

This is a very drinkable IPA. I have already bought 3 six pack so far.
Ingame Enhancement +1

It is hard to get electricity and WiFi while camping. I did learn that this beer tastes good slightly warm and dirty.

Overall 7/10

It may be argued that IPA's should have a knock-down hop bitterness, but I disagree. I enjoyed this IPA; it has a nice balance between the knock-downs and weakling IPA (Alex Keiths).

Racer 5 IPA and the bailout
Stone IPA
Broken Halo IPA

How I Rate Beers

How I Rate Beers

No doubt this is a pressing question for all of my readers, 15 in total. I am not a professional, nor amateur, beer tasting judge. There is currently no desire to be one either. My goal is to try and impart impressions of a beer by my reactions. This unfortunately gives a very biased view. If you are not pleased with my rating scale, I encourage you to look under my foot for a resolution.

Taste is measured on a scale of -5 to +5

I do not try any beers that I know will get a negative number. Life is too short for bad beer. Here is my rating scale for taste based upon my reactions:

+5 OMFG I want more
+4 Wow, this tastes better than the Swedish stewardess I once dated
+3 Oh ,very nice and tasty
+2 I'll have another, I’ll even buy
+1 I will have another one, if you are buying
0 maybe it is better than water
-1 Well, at least I didn't buy it
-2 Good thing to contains alcohol
-3 I had another beer like this once, ONLY once
-4 EWW, did you spit in my beer
-5 I wouldn't pour this swill in my plants, let alone my mouth

Aftertaste is a simpler scale, -2 to +2
+2 Good Long
+1 Good
0 None
-1 Bad
-2 Bad Lingering

Alcohol Content is simply by the numbers:
-1 less than 5%

0 5-5.9%
+1 6% or more

Value is either:
+1 yes I would buy it again
0 no I would not buy it again
-1 I want my money back.

Ingame Enhancement is based upon the gaming session experienced while drinking this beer. Beer always either enhances or inhibits gaming quality. I often use this criteria to bump up a score if needed.
+1 I owned and had fun
0 average gaming night
-1 I got owned or too many noobs playing

That's it; very scientific. I would like to add that this rating scale is protected by creative commons copyright. This is probably not necessary, I can't think of any reason why someone would want to use this stupid rating scale. If you want to go ahead and link credits back to me.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Gavroche


Gavroche

Ratebeer 3.4 81st percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Gavroche is a "Biere de Garde" generally brewed in France during the winter or early spring. It was meant to be stored, or kept, for drinking during the summer. Brewing can be hard during the summer months because some yeasts to not like high temperatures. They can be similar in flavours to Saisons.

Taste +3

It was hard to smell through the huge fluffy head on this beer, but you could make out cereal, yeast, herbal and roasted grain. At the start you have a heavy carbonation which meshed nicely with the tart dried berry flavours. This dismounted and the sweet ride of spicy, warming toffee swarmed all over the gastronomic crevice that is the mouth.

Aftertaste +2

The most pleasant, long coating of (light) spicy toffee.

Alcohol Content +1 8.5%

This was a nice surprise, hence the warming.

Value 0

This was a nice brew, but I think it cost me over 4 bucks. It was not that nice.

Ingame Enhancement 0

Tried out the Dam map for L4D. I think it must be my aftershave, but those tanks love me.

Overall 6/10

This was a nice beer, if you like the style.

3 Monts
Le Merle Saison

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar


Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar

Ratebeer 3.76 96th percentile
Beer Advocate A

Taste +3

The nose is a malt heavy nectar, with additions of roast and (yes) hazelnuts. Upfront the brew give a roasted malt sweetness, followed very close-after with a sudden hop bitterness. The hops are a bit flowery and spicy. Again there is a prevailing flavour of roast, cashews and hazelnut at all points of tasting. The nutty bits gives a very smooth mouth feel to this beer. As it warms up, the flavours get better. For those who follow the numbers, it has 33 IBU.

Aftertaste +1

The smooth nut finish lasts as long as an in-law visit.

Alcohol Content +1 6.22%

You could never tell.

Value +1

This is a great beer; something flavourful and unique.

Ingame Enhancement +1

Maybe a little L4D tonight, but it does not matter. I started my first batch of home-brew today.
Overall 7/10

For something completely different, give this one a try.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Orval Trappist Ale

Orval Trappist Ale

Ratebeer 3.92 99th percentile
Beer Advocate A-

In case you were wondering, Trappist beers are brewed within the walls of a Trappist abbey or under their control. There are currently seven trappist breweries (Orval, Chimay, Westveleteren, Rochefort, Westmalle, Mariawald and Achel). A similar style brewed by de Koningshoeven (La Trappe) cannot use the Trappist logo due to regulatory issues. Rochefort 10 is perhaps the greatest beer I have ever tasted, watch for an upcoming review.

Taste +4

The aroma is like none other: sweet lemon and lime, bready malt, and earth tones. The taste must be experienced in person, very Zen-like. To describe is to say bready, citrus, lemon, peachy and a hint of medicinal herbs. It is a very dry mouthfeel and every sip reveals something new.

Aftertaste +2

After that complex onslaught; a tart, dry, spicy lemon takes hold of the tongue and does not let go.

Alcohol Content +1 6.2%

Do I hear angels singing.

Value +1

If I were stranded on a desert island...

Ingame Enhancement +1

Just loaded up Death Aboard for L4D, a very nice player generated map. Well done.
Overall 9/10

If you like your Trappists a little dry, this is the one. The other Trappists are quite think and rich in fruity flavours.
Chimay Blue
La Trappe
Rochefort 8 and the Stig
Achel

Brooklyn Winter Ale and Historical Events


Flavius: This is a great day in history.
Meterman: Right. I'm surprised you know about GM filling for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
F: What? That doesn't surprise me, who wanted to buy a hybrid Hummer anyways? No, today they announced Left 4 Dead 2!
M: I'm sorry but chainsaws and zombies is a little stale and overdone.
F: I like the idea of beating a zombie with a frying pan.
M: I'm sure your wife has lots of tips for your frying pan technique.

Brooklyn Winter Ale

Ratebeer 3.18 62nd percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +3

The nose was a little more malty than I normally like; there is also a very slight clove spiciness. It is a full bodied beer which has a heavy presence of creamy, caramel malt. Overall it's a smooth sweetish brew with hints of bourbon and vanilla. The hops are understated and only give a slight earthy bitterness.

Aftertaste +1

There is a smooth fading of the sweetness.

Alcohol Content +1 6.1%

Value +1

It was an above average beer. I think this one was picked up on sale at the Fairfield BCLS for about $13 for a 6pack.

Ingame Enhancement +1

Left 4 Dead 2 coming in November. Who says zombies don't make a great Christmas gift?

Overall 7/10

The would be the prefect brew for someone who likes their beers on the sweet side.

Legacy Ale (Swan's)


Legacy Ale (Swan's)

Ratebeer 3.57 79th percentile
Beer Advocate A-
Taste +4

The nose is very slight for a brew of this alcohol strength, maybe it was a little too cold. Just the slightest of fermented prunes, raisins and caramel escaped the tulip glass. Oddly it had a medium mouthfeel, but oh the flavours. Everywhere were tart alcohol soaked raisins, dark fruits, caramel and that wonderful alcohol warmth. The tastes only intensified as the fluid temperature increased. After warming up, additional aroma of vanilla and wood appeared.

Aftertaste +2

There was quite a long mouth coating of alcohol soaked fruits.

Alcohol Content +1 10%

I'm sure glad this come in a 330ml bottle and not a bomber.
Value +1

This was a limited edition, I wish it was available everyday.

Ingame Enhancement +1

After sampling a great beer, even folding laundry feels like fun.
Overall 9/10 BOOM SHIFTY HEADHSOT

This is a great beer and a great tribute to Michael Williams. Michael Williams was a Victoria businessman and heritage developer, who is remembered for his revitalizing various areas of downtown Victoria. Mr Williams passed away in November 2000 and donated his properties, house and vast art collection to the University of Victoria.

Old Cellar Dweller Barley Wine
Phillips Burley Wine

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Nut Brown Ale (Dead Frog)


Nut Brown Ale (Dead Frog)

Ratebeer 3.12 48th percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +2

The nose is very light but you can notice hazelnut and caramel. Only the briefest interlude of caramel and nuts before the bitterness hits you. A little more than expected from a beer with a weak nose. The bitterness is slightly astringent, mixed with a good dose of carbonation.

Aftertaste +1

The nutty bitterness mixed well with the carbonation, but is faded cleanly away.

Alcohol Content 0 5%

Big shock here.

Value +1

It barely made a +1. It is a very quaffable beer with slightly above average taste. I would bring it to someones BBQ, if I liked them.
Ingame Enhancement 0

I sense a purchase in the near future, the demo for defense grid is getting too easy.
Overall 4/10

Slightly above average brown ale; it is better than Newcastle but not a good as the Rogue.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Blackberry Porter (Cannery) and Beer Fridge Etiquette

Flavius: Proper beer fridge etiquette must be observed by all serious beer drinkers.
Meterman: Beer etiquette, does that mean take care where you aim when passing wind?
F: No. A proper beer fridge must contain certain things, such as several beers being aged.
M: Like your jokes..
F: One each of the major styles of beer: stout, pilsner, IPA, etc.
M: To make up for your lack of...
F: Must have 'Pawn' beers. The ones you don't like and can give away quickly. They must be cheap and obvious.
M: Right on to that! Hey, you always give me a Corona or Blue!
F: It always must have several of your personal favourite style.
M: In your case cheap!

Blackberry Porter (Cannery)

Ratebeer 3.42 78th percentile
Beer Advocate B

Taste +4

This is another great fruit porter. The nose is a super rich, dark malt and sweet blackberry syrup. A full mouthfeel graces your senses with bitter chocolate up front with support from roast and watery coffee. This is intermixed with a nicely balanced berry sweetness (blueberry and blackberry). Throughout this whole ordeal, an effervescence prevails.

Aftertaste +1

It almost becomes a -1 because the bitter chocolate and roast lingers nicely, but the berry turns sickly sweet at the end.
Alcohol Content +1 6.5%

This is sounding better all the time.

Value +1

This was a great flavoured porter and I would certainly get it again.
Ingame Enhancement +1

WOOOT for new player L4D content, Dead Aboard has breathed new zest into my online gameplay life. Who needs sunlight; there are vitamin D pills.

Overall 8/10 BOOM NIGHTWARE FF

This a great porter on its own. When it is enhanced with appropriate amounts of dark fruits, you have a winner.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Gouden Carolus Ambrio


Gouden Carolus Ambrio

Ratebeer 3.54 89th percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +2

The foamy head is beyond enormous and takes forever to fall. It actually continued to come right out of the bottle after pouring away half of the bottle. Aromas immediately dance past the hairs and promise tastes of caramel, fruit, apricots, cloves and vanilla. Sadly the taste was a little flat and did not live up to its nose. Rather faint rewards of yeast, ripe bananas and fruit.
Aftertaste +2

There was the slight acidic sweetness that you could not clear out of your mouth, rather like dried apricots.

Alcohol Content +1 8%

Value 0

This bottle was not cheap and it was not that good.

Ingame Enhancement 0

The problem with beers this this is that they are meant for sharing. When you game alone with a beer like this you tend to loose feeling in your arms

Overall 6/10

I was not impressed by this brew for the price you paid; pick up a Brooklyn Local 1 instead.

Other Belgian style strong ales
St. Bernardus Tripel
Trois Pistole and Dangerous Web Ideas

Saint-Martin Blond


Saint-Martin Blond

Ratebeer 3.07 49th percentile
Beer Advocate B-

Taste +4

The picture does not give a fair image of the golden amber colour and fluffy head that this beer pours. Through the head there is a massive aroma of yeast, bread and oranges. The taste is no different, very light mouthfeel and a high carbonation carries that citrus and bread flavours everywhere. Just to make things more interesting you can also pick up honey, spicy hops and a lemony zest.

Aftertaste +1

Only the slightest of tartness at the end, very clean finish. There also was the quickly vanishing acidic flavours of bread and almonds.

Alcohol Content +1 7%

Value +1

I found this to be a very refreshing Belgian blonde ale.

Ingame Enhancement +1

Usually I get into trouble when I play L4D late into the night; this night the wife brought me Saxo.

Overall 8/10

Clean, crisp and citrusy, everything a big blonde Belgian should be.
Phillips Surly Blonde
Trappist Achel

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Wee Heavy (BelHaven)


Wee Heavy (BelHaven)

Ratebeer 3.6 91st percentile
Beer Advocate A

Taste +4

The delightfully bitter and hoppy nose overplayed the caramel malt and wood hints. Oddly the bitterness was upfront; a little smoke with a little raisin added in. This quickly dissipated to reveal a generous dose of earthy, toffee malts. Yum!

Aftertaste +1

For a big first taste it surprisingly faded off to leave only the slightest of caramel sweetness and alcohol tingle.

Alcohol Content +1 6.5%

Yippee.

Value +1

It was a good Scotch Ale and at $3.55 for a 500ml bottle it is a great deal.

Ingame Enhancement 0

In a moment of weakness I almost bought Grid Defense on Steam. Then that little voice in the back of my head said, "must see sunshine, must see sunshine, your family loves you."
Overall 7/10

If you are a fan of the heavy Scotch style ales this is sure to please.
Swan's Scotch Ale

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Fiddlers Elbow


Fiddlers Elbow (Wychwood)

Ratebeer 2.92 38th percentile
Beer Advocate B

Taste +3

The aroma is sweet with wheat, citrus hops and grass. Your taste buds are treated to a very light malt sweetness with a bit of nuttiness. The overall feel is buttery and the floral hop crispness was very nice.

Aftertaste +1

All that remains is a faint floral hop residue, slightly oily. This brew is very refreshing.

Alcohol Content 0 5.2%

Value 0

It was a nice beer but it just didn't really grab the palate.

Ingame Enhancement 0

I am really looking forward to some L4D player content maps. Every time I play it is like deja vu.

Overall 4/10

This was an ok English bitter, I though Duchy Organic was better.

Other English style bitters
Bass Pale Ale
Rogue Youngers

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Old #38 Stout


Old #38 Stout (North Coast)

Ratebeer 3.51 88th percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +3

The nose is stronger than expected from a light stout; very pronounced coffee, licorice and faded chocolate are very apparent. Oddly the taste is a little lighter than expected from the strong nose, just on the good side of watery. There is just enough coffee, roasted malt and bitter chocolate to go around the mouth. It more malty than bittery.

Aftertaste +1

The roasted malt lingers just a little bit, but it feel a little burnt.

Alcohol Content 0 5.6%

Value 0

It was nice, but if I want a stout I will go for a powerhouse or a Murphy's.

Ingame Enhancement 0

I should take up jogging; last night I dreamt about zombies.

Overall 4/10

It was nice stout, but a little watery.

Green Flash Barleywine


Green Flash Barleywine

Ratebeer 3.7 94th percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +4

This brew pours with the deepest ruby and a thin head the colour of a latte. Even before your nose gets close, you can pick out citrus hops, caramel/toffee and alcohol. It was very sweet on the toffee, fruit and caramel side, which is expected for a barley wine. The unexpected side was the huge hop bitterness and tartness at the end.

Aftertaste +2

After all the surprises were over, the palate was left with a full mouth creamy pine and grapefruit hop resin. This combined with the heavy visceral sweetness makes one unique brew.

Alcohol Content +1 10%

Yup, after one things are freakin wonderful.

Value +1

I will certainly get this one again.

Ingame Enhancement +1

Nothing is better than a night of L4D with Shifty from the Shire. We let him go first and hold the propane tank.
Overall 9/10

Good brew, enough said. If you like'm strong, sweet and tart this is the one.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Swan's Coconut Porter and heart and soul


Flavius: Meterman we need to have a funny dialogue, we are losing readers.
Meterman: We are losing readers because your reviews suck.
F: I tried to spruce the reviews up with more descriptive words.
M: Look in your new thesaurus and find new word for blows. As in your blog blows.
F: That is not fair, I pour my heart and soul into this blog.
M: It shows vampire. Now pour something that matters, like me another beer.
Swan's Coconut Porter
Taste +4

You get your standard porter smell here: toast, roasted malt with added coconut macaroons. On its own it is a good porter; the right amount of roasted grains with a touch of sweetness. The coconut adds that extra creaminess and fullness; rather like coconut milk.

Aftertaste +2

Longer lingering sweet roasted flavour, part toast and part coconut macaroon.

Alcohol Content 0 5.5%

Value +1

This was nice, I would get it again. I think it was under $5 for a bomber.

Ingame Enhancement 0

I saw the trailer for L4D2. I wet myself. Is there someway to medically induce a coma until November?

Overall 7/10

Take your above average roasted Porter, then add the thickness and sweetness or coconut and you have a coconut porter. I like it.

Redhook ESB


Redhook ESB

Ratebeer 3.05 49th percentile
Beer Advocate B-
Taste +3

It gave a big nose and full mouth feel that were the same. Full on roasted malt, bread and toffee filled every inch of your mouth. The added astringency from the bitter grapefruit hops just made it that much nicer.

Aftertaste +2

You were left with a long, long lasting bitter, roasted grain finish. It might be a little much for some people.
Alcohol Content 0 5.77%

Value +1

This was a nice bitter; certainly one I would get again. I paid $6 for a plastic cupful on the Washington State ferry.

Ingame Enhancement +1

You heard me right; beer on the ferry. WOOT.

Overall 7/10

A nice mix of bitter and IPA styles.

Pyramid Hefeweizen


Pyramid Hefeweizen
Ratebeer 2.84 31st percentile
Beer Advocate C+

Taste +1

It must be summertime, there are hefes everywhere. Sadly, this one is a bit below average. The nose is a little lager-like, citrus, honey and grass. The brew is a little watery with only the slightest of citrus/grain flavours and aromatic hop ting. At least it was refreshing.

Aftertaste -1

Your mouth is left coated with this pasting of sour lemon or bruised citrus fruit.

Alcohol Content 0 5.2%

Value 0

At least it was free. Thanks to the managers reception at Silver Cloud Lake Union.

Ingame Enhancement 0

I gotta start leaving this criteria out now that I am actually leaving the house.

Overall 0/10

Look elsewhere for a good hefe.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Spyhopper Amber Ale


Spyhopper Honey Brown Ale (Vancouver Island)

Ratebeer 1 rating (not good)
Beer Advocate unrated

Taste +1

This was an extremely uneventful honey brown swill. If I had to mark down a nose it would be honey and caramel. At least it was not too watery, tasteless is different from watery. Vague murmurs of caramel malt with honey and nuts, followed quickly thereafter by a nice, nonaromatic hoppy bite.
Aftertaste +1

A little bitterness mixed in with the honey sweet. Thankfully it was clean and short.

Alcohol Content 0 5%

Value 0

Maybe if I was on a deserted island...

Ingame Enhancement 0
Overall 2/10

If there is nothing else to drink or you want to buy a beer for someone you do not want to offend. It won't impress them either.

Granville Island Hefeweizen


Granville Island Hefeweizen

Ratebeer 3.02 43rd percentile
BeerAdvocate B+
Taste +3

This draft brew came to me on the sunny patio of Swiftsure Restaurant in Victoria. I like a good hefe and this did not disappoint. The nose is as one would expect: yeast, light citrus and bananas. Light refreshing wheat and citrus taste with an after tingle from aromatic hops (liberty). You also get a heavy dose of carbonation and faint hints of honey. Yum.

Aftertaste +1

It was a clean finish with only a slight biscuit lingering.
Alcohol Content 0 5%
Value +1

It was a nice but average hefe.

Ingame Enhancement 0

Sadly it is not proper to discuss shooting virtual zombies while having lunch with your in-laws.

Overall 5/10

This was a good hefe; not outstanding but good.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Rodenbach Grand Cru

Rodenbach Grand Cru

Ratebeer 3.83 98th percentile
Beer Advocate A-

Taste +5

The nose is very assertive with vinegary cherry and raspberry. The taste is like the nose: raspberry vinaigrette with sweet plums. You get a full, tart mouth feel mixed up with alcohol burn, fruit sweetness and vanilla. It is very much like Duchesse but not as tart.

Aftertaste +1

Oddly it ended very dry and tart with a lingering raspberry sourness.

Alcohol Content +1 6.5%

I thought it was stronger until I read the label.
Value 0

It was a good beer, but I would get the Duchesse instead.

Ingame Enhancement 0

I just got the PS3 hooked up again. Gotta hit those drinking and driving games.
Overall 7/10

This was an excellent sour ale or Flanders red ale style, very tart and refreshing from start to end. Certainly not a swigging beer, perhaps something for after dinner.

Race Rocks Amber Ale (Speed review)

Race Rocks Amber Ale (Lighthouse brewing)

This seems to be standard beer in every pub in Victoria. I had this at the Penny Farthings and gave it quite a low review. There was one in my fridge, so I gave it another try. The score only slightly improved

Ratebeer 3.03 43rd percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +1

There were mildly, roasty and nut flavours to this malt forward beer. The nose in the pub consisted of fermented fruit (aka vomit). At home you could notice caramel and roast in the nose, but still very sweet. The colour is a striking dark copper colour, one might have expected more flavour. There was also the bareness of fruit flavours, it seems a littel watery.

Aftertaste 0

There was a vague hoppy ting at the end; it sure didn't last long. Your mouth was left with a flavourless milky feeling.

Alcohol Content 0 5.2%

Value 0

At the pub I gave it a -1 and almost sent it back. It tasted OK at home, but I would not buy it.

Ingame Enhancement 0

Still at the Penny Farthing. I know I have sampled quite a few beers, but they were all glasses and my buddy drove me home.

Overall 1/10

It is beer. I would rather get this breweries Keepers Stout; a very good dry stout.

Tennent's Lager (speed review)

Tennent's Lager

Ratebeer 2.31 11th percentile
Beer Advocate C+

Taste +2

Very soft malts grace the tongue, but it is still lager like. You know the drill: grass, apricots and faint aromatic hops. It kinda reminders me of a premium Lucky Lager, only not as sweet.

Aftertaste +1

There was a dry, mild apricot aftertaste but it faded pretty quick.
Alcohol Content -1 4.4%

Value 0

It was very drinkable, but not exceptional.

Ingame Enhancement 0

This was enjoyed in the Penny Farthing Pub, with my buddy Donovan. I think he even bought. WOOT.

Overall 2/10

A nice drinkable, mass produced lager. The flavour was above average, but this does not entail an endorsement.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Moylans Ryan O'Sullivans Imperial Stout

Ryan O'Sullivans Imperial Stout

Ratebeer 3.83 98th percentile
Beer Advocate A-
Taste +4

Another Imperial Stout, it must be a lucky week for me. Right away the nose is heavy with booze, only secondary is the molasses and licorice. The taste is quite oily, thick with bitter chocolate everywhere. This is all mixed in with coffee and dark fruits flavours.

Aftertaste +2

This may sound odd, but the aftertaste is a little dry; it coats the mouth and never goes away. The residual sweetness has a glycerin like quality.

Alcohol Content +1 10%

The smell and burn gives this brew a vinegar character

Value 0

It was a good imperial stout, but not at $10 a 650ml bomber. I picked this up at the Hillside CBAW.

Ingame Enhancement 0

Again tried the Grid Defense Demo on Steam. Must not buy this game....will never see daylight again..

Overall 7/10

This a great imperial stout. It is on the oily, bitter side of the fence. This only downside of this beer was the price.

Newcastle Brown Ale (Speed Review)

Newcastle Brown Ale

Ratebeer 3.04 49th percentile
Beer Advocate B-

Taste +2

You get a faint caramel malt sweetness in the nose. There is a little added roast with the taste. An unexpected astringent hoppiness is at the finish.

Aftertaste 0

Very clean and uneventful

Alcohol Content -1 4.7%

Value 0

I had this on tap at the Penny Farthing Pub. It was very drinkable but not interesting.

Ingame Enhancement 0

No gaming; RL friend for a change.

Overall 1/10

Drink this one if there is nothing else available

Samuel Smith Imperial Stout

Flavius: OMFG a comment, someone is reading our posts.
Meterman: Remember these are your post. Shea told you that you couldn't tell a Dubble from a Flemish Ale you zombotomy victim.
F: It does not matter. This is the first step to fame and fortune!
M: You are not going anywhere if you can't get your facts straight.
F: I never let a lack of knowledge stop me from doing anything!
M: Famous last words, you should try skydiving.

Samuel Smith Imperial Stout

Ratebeer 3.9 98th percentile
Beer Advocate A-

Taste +5

I truly am a sucker for a strong stout; if it's an imperial style even better. This one was a treat. The nose is fulfilling with huge whiffs of milk chocolate, licorice, roasted cocoa and molasses. Your taste is just like the nose; just add a creamy/smooth mouth feel and you got it. Oddly the finish is dry with bitter chocolate. Did I mention that you could pick out smoke and fruit hints?

Aftertaste +2

Your whole mouth and throat are coated with a sweet molasses burn that lasts longer than expected.

Alcohol Content +1 7%

You can smell and taste it with every raise of the glass.

Value +1

This is right up there with the best of the imperial stouts

Ingame Enhancement +1

I played a little GRID on PS3 tonight; booze is great for relaxing the twitch reflex when driving. Too much though and you need a lot of race restarts

Overall 10/10 BOOM HEADSHOT

Drink this beer often; enough said.

Other mind numbing posts

Swans Oatmeal Stout

Stone Imperial Stout and Absolute power
Old Rasputin Imperial Stout